The Sun

The Sun, as seen from Earth, appears as a bright, glowing celestial body in the sky. It is the closest star to our planet and serves as the primary source of light and heat. Here are some key aspects of its appearance:

1. Size: The Sun is approximately 109 times the diameter of Earth, making it about 1.3 million times larger in volume. Despite being much larger than our planet, its distance from Earth makes it appear about the same size as the Moon in the sky.

2. Shape: The Sun appears as a perfect sphere due to its gravitational pull, which causes it to exert an inward force on itself, shaping it into a near-perfect ball.

3. Color: The Sun might appear yellow or white to the naked eye, but its actual color is white. The atmosphere scatters shorter blue and violet wavelengths of light more than longer red and yellow wavelengths. This scattering effect tends to make the Sun appear slightly yellowish when observed from Earth.

4. Intensity: The Sun shines with incredible brightness. Its surface temperature is about 5,500 degrees Celsius (9,932 degrees Fahrenheit), so it emits a dazzling light that illuminates our planet during the day.

5. Sunspots: Occasionally, dark spots known as sunspots can be observed on the Sun's surface. These areas are slightly cooler and appear darker due to the surrounding intense solar radiation. Sunspots may vary in size and can even be larger than Earth.
It's important to note that observing the Sun directly without proper eye protection can be harmful. Always use certified solar filters or follow safe observation techniques to avoid damaging your eyes.